Hi largeli,
There is a difference in the Helper/Comforter/Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of Jesus Christ that comes to live in believers and when Christ will return at the the end of this age to rule/reign on earth.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
This Helper/Jesus Christ comes indwelling to all that are chosen to be one of His in this age, and it is a glorious thing, that changes your life completely as His Spirit works in you and prepares you to serve God, not the flesh.
John 14:19 "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
v 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
There is only a very few being prepared to which the kingdom has come now, in this age and most of them lay sleeping in the grave awaiting resurrection right now.
So yes Christ does come quickly to a few now, but His main work of saving the world has not yet come. I just wanted to give and overview first.
Im curiouse to know if anyone thinks the end of the world is near... Not "nearer than when we first believed" that is obvious. Every day that passes is nearer than when we first believed. I know that most people on here agree with Rays teachings when it comes to the lake of fire, hell, universal salvation... But what about this..
The thing is that Christ's return for everybody is very near, as it will be at the point of death for all, and our lives are such a short time in this world "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). We will not be aware of the grave, so once we die our very next thought will be of our resurrection.
But I know that is not what you are asking... so Christ said "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Mat 24:36). Nobody will ever set a date on His return and plenty have tried to. But that is not all He said there, He does say more about His return and explains what we should expect.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
v. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
v. 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Christ says here very precisely that nothing unusual will be happening in the world when He returns, no great tribulation, to worldwide economic collapse, nothing out of the ordinary will led up to His return. Yes there will always be wars going on, earthquakes and famine, etc., that's part of this age. So it seems to me that He could return any day, because He will come without warning and I happen to think that it could be near.
1Th 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
So we need to be ready and hoping for His return at any time, not looking and waiting for signs or He might catch you unawares.
Luke 21:34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
v. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
v. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
mercy, peace and love
Kat